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The Order of Shaolin Ch'an, founded in 520 C.E. by the Indian monk Tamo, is a branch of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism dedicated to the study of nature and humanity's place in our world. Through the physical study of martial arts we learn to extinguish our egos, through the study of nature we seek understanding of the unity of all life, and through meditative practices we strive to maximize the potential of each individual.
The OSC was brought to the United States and (briefly) Canada beginning in 1902, as the most senior echelon of Shaolin monks fled the chaos and destruction of the Boxer Rebellion, the end of the Chinese Empire, the Warlord Period, and the purges of communism. From the late 1920's through 1974, the OSC was headquartered in and operated from New York's Chinatown. Today, the Order continues to preserve and perpetuate Shaolin teachings from its headquarters near Portland, Oregon. In order to better function within the laws of its adopted country, the OSC incorporated as a religious 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2003.
This website represents a part of the Order's mission and responsibility to perpetuate the teachings of Shaolin philosophy, tradition, and martial practices.
Copyright © 2004 Order of Shaolin Ch'an
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